We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I get Started in Commercial Photography?

Deanna Baranyi
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,206
Share

Commercial photography is typically used to sell a service or a product. Generally, work for people interested in starting a commercial photography business comes from advertising agencies and graphic design firms. It can be a profitable and thrilling field of work.

To get started in commercial photography, it is important to start a portfolio. Prospective clients will usually want to see signs of creativity – more so than simply showing samples of advertising work. For example, the kind of portfolio that a commercial photographer would show to a curator at an art museum is the same creative portfolio that he would show to a high end company. In addition, a good portfolio will show that the photographer is proficient with the technical aspects of his field.

It is often recommended that those people starting a commercial photography business begin close to home. That way, it is simpler to show the portfolio to prospective clients and directors. In fact, a face-to-face meeting with a prospective client can put them at ease and can indicate the level of interpersonal skills that the photographer possesses.

Beginners in the field of commercial photography may want to start by contacting ad agencies that have smaller yearly billings and fewer employees. They are often quicker to accept the work of a newcomer. In the alternative, once a commercial photographer has built-up a list of advertising credits, then the larger and higher paying ad firms should be targeted.

People new to commercial photography should peruse through trade magazines, such as Graphis, Adweek, and Communication Arts. They will give additional insight into the nature of design and advertising firms. They will disclose a few details about the top firms, as well. Also, the Advertising Photographers of America will give plenty of information on various business practices for advertising or commercial photographers.

When making contact with advertising, design, or other commercial markets, many agencies require complete contact information, rates, a business card, and self-promotion pieces such as a brochure, flier, digital sample, or tear sheets. A website linked to work samples is also recommended. Many agencies use freelance commercial photographers on assignment basis only. Oftentimes, they require a model release or property release for photographs that are taken.

The types of images that will be used in commercial photography vary. Sometimes photographs are used for annual reports, direct mail, consumer or trade magazines, catalogs, and sales brochures. Other times, photographs are needed for billboards, news releases, calendars, theatrical stills, and magazines or newspaper ads. The subjects can be quite wide ranging: environmental, architectural, rural, spiritual, adventure, science, automobiles, animals, travel, celebrities, teens, and food or drink – just to name a few. The important thing is to find an area that works for the photographer and then grow from there.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Deanna Baranyi
By Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi, a freelance writer and editor with a passion for the written word, brings a diverse skill set to her work. With degrees in relevant fields and a keen ability to understand and connect with target audiences, she crafts compelling copy, articles, and content that inform and engage readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi
Deanna Baranyi, a freelance writer and editor with a passion for the written word, brings a diverse skill set to her...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-get-started-in-commercial-photography.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.